Objective: To prospectively investigate the association of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) exposure through critical windows of pregnancy establishment with fecundability and pregnancy loss.
Design: Prospective cohort study using longitudinal urine measurements of common SSRIs while women are actively trying to conceive.
Setting: Four clinical sites.
Patient(s): A total of 1,228 women without uncontrolled depression/anxiety, attempting natural conception while participating in a randomized trial of preconception-initiated low-dose aspirin.
Interventions(s): Not applicable.
Main outcome measure(s): Urinary SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram/citalopram) were measured while trying to conceive and, for women who became pregnant, at weeks 0, 4, and 8 of pregnancy. Fecundability odds ratios and incidence of pregnancy loss and live birth were estimated.
Result(s): A total of 172 women (14%) were exposed to SSRIs while trying to conceive. SSRI exposure was associated with 24% reduced fecundability, and accordingly, a nonsignificant 9% lower live birth incidence, with significantly lower live birth in fluoxetine-exposed women. SSRI exposure was not associated with subsequent pregnancy loss, whether exposure was before conception or at 0, 4, or 8 weeks of gestation, although estimates varied by specific SSRI drug.
Conclusion(s): Women using SSRIs may have more difficulty becoming pregnant, and although SSRI exposure overall was not associated with pregnancy loss, fluoxetine deserves caution and future study.
Clinical trial registration number: NCT00467363.
Keywords: Fecundability; SSRI; antidepressant; miscarriage; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Published by Elsevier Inc.